The Rev. Vernon Lloyd Phelps

The Rev. Vernon Lloyd Phelps, age 89, a long-time member of the Connecticut Conference's Public Education Advocacy Team, passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.

The Rev. Phelps, of Cromwell, CT, was an integral part of the Connecticut Conference - he and his wife, Mary Phelps, attended many Annual Meetings as delegates and visitors.

The Rev. Phelps was born on September 25, 1927, in Stafford Kansas, to the late Cora (Kent) Phelps and Alvin Phelps. At an early age he began teaching in a one room school house in Kansas. He was a strong believer in education and went on to be a College Professor and Minister with dual standing in the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ. He was a religious scholar and taught religion and cultural studies throughout his life.

The Rev. Phelps and Mary, his wife of 67 years, traveled around the world multiple times. In the late 1950's they served together as missionary teachers in Sierra Leone. They enjoyed working with people of different cultural backgrounds and helping those they could along the way. They also enjoyed including their children and grandchildren on their journeys.

The Rev. Phelps is survived by his wife, Mary Woelfle Phelps; their sons, Michael Phelps, Mark (Carol) Phelps and daughter Linda Phelps Fish. He is preceded in death by his daughter Marsha Phelps. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Erin Phelps Smith, Emily (Brandon) Longe, Adam Phelps, Megan Phelps, Alex Phelps, Michael Fish and Mary Fish as well as multiple great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and a sister Evelyn Brown. He is preceded in death by multiple brothers and sisters. The family would also like to make mention of special family members: Kenneth Fish, Deborah Solesky and Yoshino Uchiyama.

The family will visit with friends in the Chapel of Potter Funeral Home in Willimantic, CT on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 from 5 PM to 7 PM. Funeral Services will follow on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary of First Church of Christ, UCC in Mansfield, CT.